KSO News

Across genres, our favorite rhythms urge our toe to tap or head to nod. Sometimes that desire grows into elaborate dances guided by the music. Not only does this urge (defined as “groove” by musicologists) feel automatic, but it also makes us feel happy. But why?

“When Tine Thing Helseth comes on stage, she possesses a lovely and unpretentious presence, rich humanness, and a genuine sense of wonder.”

Leonard Bernstein was the first symphonic composer to collaborate on an American musical.

Leonard Bernstein was the first symphonic composer to collaborate on an American musical.

In an exciting new collaboration, The Gilmore and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) have announced the co-commissioning of American Sputnik, a solo work for baritone, piano, and orchestra.

By Von Chang Tou Liang | BachTrack

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the year, conducted by Canadian Julian Kuerti, included two popular crowd-pleasers, but it was good to open with something completely unknown…

By Elizabeth Clark | NowKalamazoo

It’s a symphonic celebration of one of the oldest musical institutions in town and how educator, emcee, and artist Kandace “DC” Lavender incorporates the five pillars of Hip-Hop – knowledge of self, dance, graffiti, rap, and DJing.

It’s easy to assume that the ballet Copland’s music accompanied must portray life next to a bubbly creek running through the heart of a small Appalachian town, right?

To reimagine a work eight times??

That’s impressive! It’s pretty commonplace for a composer to revisit a work and make a few edits here and there – maybe extract a few excerpts to make a shorter suite like Copland did with Appalachian Spring or when Mozart adjusted his Oboe Concerto into a Flute Concerto.

Jessica Mallow Gulley, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s President and CEO since 2019, has been appointed the President and Managing Director of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO). Mallow Gulley will continue her role at the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) through October 10, 2025, working closely with Board Chair Karen Isble, musician leadership, and senior staff to ensure a smooth transition.